Adrian Beltre's decision on his playing career is coming, leaving 2 hard questions for him and Rangers to answer

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Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) jokes with team mates in the dugout before an MLB game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Globe Life Park in Arlington. (Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News)

He had already dropped Harper's Bazaar to refer to the market for free agent Bryce Harper this winter. He had already talked about Minnesota's attendance this season by saying only one Twin showed up. He made an obligatory joke about the Marlins, referencing the abbreviation for their hometown: MIA.

He was on a roll.

This was all good material. I think the superagent rehearses these now. Last year's "Playoff Town," became this year's Harper's Bazaar. And then somebody had to ruin it by asking about something not in the script: Adrian Beltre.

Somebody: Me.

"We know he is a guy who will perform at well above major league average," Boras began. "We fully expect teams to express interest in that. I will leave it to Adrian on when to direct me to advance or not on that interest."

It won't go on the "Best of Boras" CD, but basically it means Beltre still hasn't made a decision about his future.

But it's where things still stand for Beltre five weeks after the season ended with Jurickson Profar replacing him at third base in Seattle, and with Beltre walking off to a salute from Mariners' fans and hugs from his teammates.

The situation, though, may be moving toward an end. A source close to Beltre indicated he might decide on whether or not to return for a 21st season within the next week or so.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Wednesday that he expects to put some sketch of a role in front of Beltre soon, perhaps before the end of the week.

Then the countdown to a decision on playing in 2019 really starts.

And when he arrives at that decision, there are still two more to be made.

Does it best serve Beltre to return to the Rangers?

And does it best serve the Rangers for Beltre to return?

To the first: Beltre has said that if he plays in 2019, he'd like it be with the Rangers. That's a wonderful sentiment and a wonderful nod to knowing his legacy. It should not be viewed as a binding agreement.

If Beltre chooses to play, it's not because he wants to reach 500 home runs or be feted by teams or hear one more standing ovation. And he certainly doesn't need anybody else rubbing his head.

There would be one goal in mind: winning.

The Rangers get this. They also understand they won't be considered a contender going into the season. So, no hard feelings if Beltre chooses the chance to win over a place that has been so dear to his career and his family.

"First, it's his right as a free agent," Daniels said. "Second, I get it. Knowing the competitor that he is and how much he wants to win, I get that piece of it."

It should be noted here that Beltre chose not to go to a contender at the trading deadline this season or again in August when the hometown Dodgers inquired about him for the role that ended up belonging to David Freese.

Another word of caution: Don't equate that decision with anything that happens this winter. Sure, Beltre didn't want to be a two-month, part-time mercenary. If somebody is calling about being a full-time player, that's a completely different story.

To the second element: It's hard to say Beltre wouldn't be a fit, but would he?

The Rangers, for now, are approaching the offseason as if Beltre isn't returning. They have no choice but to do so.

The Rangers will have a young roster. Profar finally established himself as a legitimate big leaguer at the age of 25 in 2018. Barring a trade of somebody on the right side of the diamond, third base is probably his most likely spot.

Daniels acknowledged Wednesday that "as we sit now," Profar would likely stand to get the bulk of the at-bats at third base.

There are other ways to get at-bats for Beltre, but they all come with complications. Split time between third and DH? OK, well, then what becomes of Shin-Soo Choo, whose contract, regardless of how much the Rangers are willing to eat, probably makes him untradeable.

Could the Rangers consider trading a left-handed hitter and moving Profar into another spot, perhaps first or second base? Possibly, but even though the Rangers are overflowing with controllable left-handed hitters, would any of them bring back commensurate value? Hard to see it.

Until now, the roster hasn't really been Daniels' top priority. There was a manager to hire and now a staff to round out. Soon, though, Daniels will present Beltre with the roughest of ideas of what might fit for the Rangers in 2019.

"I wouldn't ask him to make a decision without knowing what you are making a decision about," Daniels said. "We haven't formulated exactly what the spot on the roster would be and how it all fits."

Only then can Beltre and the Rangers start to make the decision that fits everybody's best interests.